Jesus asked more than 300 questions in the Bible. He knew the answers to the questions, so why did he ask? He used questions to engage people where they were, deepen a relationship, and teach and demonstrate. But more than anything, he sought to challenge people to think for themselves. In other words, he caused people to use their brains, to think and contemplate. Think of that concerning our world today, where we are taught to blend in, mimic or think like everyone else. It’s far from “you were born an original, don’t die a copy.”
Here are some of the questions Jesus asked:
- Who do you say that I am?
- Why are you afraid?
- Do you not yet understand?
- What do you want me to do for you?
- Why did you doubt?
- What does the scripture say?
- Could you not watch with me for one hour?
Questions are a way to understand better, but more importantly, they cause us to think and consider our situation, goals, and circumstances. I have found questions are one of the best tools in helping people reach their dreams and get unstuck. It is not unusual for me to ask 75-100 questions in a coaching session. They are often simple, and I ask them to help someone see something they can’t or don’t otherwise see.
So, here are some questions to mess with your thinking. Please take a moment to let them rumble around in your mind.
What can you do about it? What’s number one on your mind today? Take a minute and apply this question. If you can’t do anything about it — i.e. influence the outcome — move on to #2 on your list. If you can influence the outcome, consider using your response — attitude, words and actions — because that’s all you have. Key followup: What can you control?
Are you busy in the circle of concern or the circle of influence? Picture that worrisome situation. Are you in the midst of it, or is it in the midst of you? It’s all about perspective, and you can’t often influence the battle if you’re consumed by it emotionally. Key followup: Where is my focus on this problem?
What worries me most about my future? After you determine the answer to that question, ask yourself this: Why does it concern me? What can I — what will I — do about it? What can I control about this? One pastor says, “we often run from things that aren’t chasing us.” Key followup: Are you concerned about something that hasn’t happened yet?
What do I need to change in my life? Change is a biggy. We all have things we could change. If you want to change your life, change something you do every day. Sometimes it’s a tweak. Sometimes it’s more of an adjustment. What is the one thing you can and should change today? Key followup: What’s one thing I can do today to get closer to my goal?
Where will I be in five years if I don’t make any changes in my life? You’ll be in the status quo if you don’t change something. The ol’ preacher says status quo is Latin for the mess we’re in. Charlie Jones believes you’ll be the same person in five years, except for the books you read and the people you meet. Get to reading and meeting! Here are some suggestions.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear. Key phrase: Winners and losers have the same goals. Everyone should add this one to their library. It has overhauled my approach in several categories.
- Win the Day by Mark Batterson. He’s become one of my favorite authors, and, oddly, this book is a little different. No lions, snowy pits, and whispers (at least not that I know of). This book focuses on “7 daily habits to help you stress less and accomplish more.
- The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason. Written in 1926, it discloses the “success secret of the ancients.”
- Intentional Living by John Maxwell. Next to my Bible, this is one of those books that I count as a modern-day classic. It’s suitable for personal improvement, business development, relationships or any area of your life. I’ve read many Maxwell books. This one stands alone at the top.
- Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson. A classic that will help you deal with change. Short and entertaining. Easy read.
- The Go-Giver by Bob Burg. A story about the power of giving, The Go-Giver is a classic bestseller that brings to life the old proverb “Give and you shall receive.”
- Three Feet from Gold. It’s a fantastic true story that you’ll find hard to put down. Get it and be inspired. You’re almost there, so don’t quit now.
Finally, here’s one question I will leave with you:
What is the one question you should be asking yourself? Ask it, then answer it.